Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
245. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the specific sustainable development goal targets his Department is responsible for implementing; the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerns all government departments and agencies collectively. As Minister for Transport I take particular interest in two targets:
SDG Target 3.6 "By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents" and SDG Target 11.2 "By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety".
In 2010, the UN declared the decade from 2011-2020 as a decade of action for road safety and set a target of halving road deaths globally by 2020. Ireland recorded 212 road deaths in 2010. In 2020 we had reduced the number of fatalities to 149, i.e. a reduction of 29.7%.
Providing an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system that supports communities, households and businesses lies at the core of my Department’s mission and underpins all of the activities carried out by my Department. Actions to support this mission and to achieve SDG Target 11.2 are embedded in my Department’s values, vision, mission, strategic approaches, policies, investment strategies and consultative processes. The Programme for Government commits to achieving the National Planning Framework's National Strategic Outcomes, including the sustainable mobility outcomes. The forthcoming review of the National Development Plan will confirm the necessary funding required to deliver the outcomes by 2030.
I should also highlight that my Department is developing a comprehensive Sustainable Mobility Policy. The policy will, amongst other things, address the provision of access to affordable transport systems for all citizens.
